Openreach expects to speed up the rollout of its full fibre broadband network following increased investment from BT Group.
The company has already built the new infrastructure to more than 18 million homes and business nationwide – including more than four million in just the last 12 months. And it now expects to speed up towards its target of reaching 25 million premises by December 2026, increasing its build rate by 20 per cent to up to five million premises passed during the year to March 2026.
With 6.8 million customers already connected to the network – 37 per cent of an ever-growing footprint – Openreach also expects to connect even more this year, having experienced record demand in the last 12 months. Last year, it connected 1.8 million customers to full fibre.
Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach, said, “Everyone at Openreach is focused on building the best digital future for the UK. Over the last few years, we’ve developed the capabilities and partnerships to deliver world class infrastructure at a world class cost – and at a pace that’s unmatched anywhere in Europe. We’re bringing life changing connectivity to all corners of the country, and we’re determined to go further and faster, so we’re proud of the confidence being shown in us through this investment.”
Allison Kirkby, chief executive, BT Group, said, “This is a UK infrastructure success story, so it makes sense for us and the country to push on the accelerator pedal. The more full fibre we build, the more customers choose to connect. In a highly competitive market and despite a challenging economic landscape, Openreach is building and connecting customers faster and at a lower cost than anyone. Our new network is helping to grow the economy, create jobs, delight customers and deliver value to our shareholders.”
Ultimately, Openreach expects to make full fibre available to as many as 30 million premises in the UK by 2030.
Based on the build so far and the maintenance of a pro-investment regulatory and public policy framework from Ofcom and government, BT has decided to fund additional capital spending – partly through efficiencies and some re-profiling of other spending.